Question

Kewalram started a sweets shop named ‘Karamati Sweets’ in 1950. The sweets were famous all over India for their good quality, and people would come from far and wide to purchase sweets from him. As he grew old, he could no longer run the shop. So, he sold the shop to one of his neighbours, Bholaram. After a few months, in an attempt to increase revenue, Bholaram started engaging in unfair trade practices such as using adulterated khoya and paneer. He believed that no one would find out because ‘Karamati Sweets’ already had a good image in the eyes of the people. However, soon people started falling sick after consuming sweets purchased from the shop, but they did not know where to go and to whom they should complain. Raghav, a resident of the village who had recently completed his studies, was also a member of a non-governmental organisation called ‘Meri Voice’. He felt that the villagers should be made aware of their rights and the reliefs available to them. He took the initiative to create awareness about consumer rights among the villagers to protect their interests through a series of talks and presentations in the village.
(a) Identify and explain the consumer right discussed in the above para.
(b) Also, identify and explain the consumer right violated by ‘Bholaram’ in the above case.

Hint:

Consumer rights are tools to empower people and protect them from exploitation — know them well for case-based questions.

Answer 1

(a) Consumer Education:
This right enables consumers to understand their rights, duties, and available recourse, facilitating informed choices. Raghav, an educated NGO member, educated villagers on their rights and redressal mechanisms, highlighting the significance of consumer education in preventing exploitation.
(b) Safety:
This right safeguards consumers from hazardous products and services. Bholaram's sale of adulterated sweets, which caused illness, violated this right by exposing consumers to unsafe food.
Final Answer:
(a) Consumer Education
(b) Safety